THE PRESIDENTS NATIONAL COMMISSION ON FIRE PREVENTION AND CONTROL

In May 1968, the Department of Commerce was given a primary mission in fire research and safety when the 90th Congress passed, and President Johnson signed, the Fire Research and Safety Act of 1968 (PL 90-259). The Act called for a 20-member commission, appointed by the President, to undertake research to help diminish the hazards of death, injury, and damage to property created by fire.

The Commission, appointed by President Nixon in late 1970, conducted 2 years of intensive study and on May 4, 1973, transmitted its findings and recommendations to the President. Those recommendations were contained in a report entitled America Burning. This report formed the framework for Congressional action in drafting the Federal Fire Prevention and Control Act of 1974, creating the National Fire Prevention and Control Administration.